Carefree, Arizona’s premier Sonoran resort lifestyle community, provides a respite from the humdrum urban grind.  From it eclectic Town Center, anchored by the fabulous Carefree Desert Gardens, to award winning resorts, Carefree offers visitors and residents a truly unique Arizona experience. The Town takes pride in its small business community, offering a wide array of boutiques, restaurants, specialty shops, wellness services, art galleries and lodging.

The Town of Carefree also includes two major intersections along Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road and Tom Darlington Drive, areas designated for regional retail and and resort lodging.

The Economic Development Division is committed to working with developers and businesses looking to locate in Carefree.  The primary opportunities include:

Northeast and Northwest Corners of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road

Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road represents the primary opportunity for regional serving retail in Carefree.  This high traffic intersection is currently home to Lowe's center on the northwest corner and the future Carefree Quarter on the northwest corner. Carefree Quarter has been zoned and site plan approved by the Town of Carefree. 

• Notice of Intent Retail Development Tax Incentive Agreement (Council 10-1-24)

Empire Companies and Diversified Partners are currently seeking tenants for this great retail opportunity. Click here for information.

There is current availability in the Lowes Center including a 13,800 square foot former CVS building on the hard corner.  Click here for Information.

Mixed-Use Experienced Based Retail and Restaurant Environment

In 2023, the Town adopted the Village Center Redevelopment Plan.  This plan was a replacement for the Village Center Master Plan completed in 2015.  The redevelopment plan offers developers and property owners better opportunity to work with the Town of Carefree to continue the creation of a premier commercial and residential mixed-use, experienced based, small town pedestrian environment.

Vision Statement

Carefree’s Village Center is the heart of a forward-thinking community that is also a regional magnet for activity. Entry to the Village Center is distinct and beckons visitors and locals alike to wander and discover new goods, services and entertainment within. A diverse mix of specialty shops, art, and dining opportunities leverage the unique design and natural setting of the Village Center to thrive and prosper. Selected cultural amenities and exceptional annual events showcase the authentic character of the community and attract new residents who choose to live in the Village Center and enjoy the true “Carefree” lifestyle.

Town Center Signage and Circulation Plan

As outlined in the Village Center Redevelopment Plan, the Town of Carefree is committed to building upon its core to improve the value of the Town Center area for both visitors and residents. In particular:

1. Improve arrival awareness

2. Improve wayfinding signage

3. Improve internal pedestrian connectivity

4. Create safer and improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity from adjacent and proximate Carefree neighborhoods

5. Slow traffic on Cave Creek Road and Tom Darlington Drive

6. Ensure an adequate and functionally accessible parking distribution

PROCESS AND TIMELINE

The Town has hired Kimley-Horne to prepare the plan, which will include:

• Master Signage Plan

• Conceptual Circulation and Parking Plan (vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians)

• 30% engineering plans for Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Road adjacent to Town Center

North East Corner of Carefree Highway and Tom Darlington

The Town of Carefree is committed to building upon the original vision its founders started, inviting visitors to experience the natural beauty of the desert environment, the unique array of locally owned and operated galleries, shops, and restaurants, and of course the Carefree Desert Gardens and Sundial.  Today, three Carefree destination facilities bring an estimated 36,000 people to the Town of Carefree.  As a cornerstone to Carefree’s economic diversity, it is estimated these visitors will generate an annual local spend of $21,000,000, which in turn supports the unique local business environment.

Since its inception in the mid-1950s, Carefree has defined itself as a resort and lodging destination.   Originally built around the Carefree Inn, the Town was known as a relaxation destination to the rich and famous.   Now branded as Civana, anyone can enjoy the tranquil Sonoran environment, and experience the #4 ranked wellness resort in the world (Travel and Leisure Magazine, 2021). Civana offers 176 rooms, a full-service spa, and two restaurants.

Also heralding to Carefree’s roots as a destination is Sprit in the Desert.  Located in Carefree Town Center, on the former International Restaurant site, Spirit in the Desert is a faith-based wellness retreat for the spirit and mind.   The facility offers a spiritual retreat experience with 35 guest rooms, multiple meeting spaces, restaurant, and outdoor meditation space.

Opened in September of 2022, Hampton by Hilton will bring much new life to the area and add diversity to the lodging mix.  With 97 rooms, balcony views to Black Mountain, and an inviting pool space, the facility provides a boutique experience supported by the ambiance and charm of the Carefree Town Center and is a perfect complement on the mix of destination alternatives.

Carefree recently completed a general plan amendment for a 21-acre site, located at the northwest corner of Tom Darlington and Carefree Highway, to allow for a resort use.  This site represents the future for Carefree and is ideally suited for a unique project that would immerse guests in the natural beauty of the Sonoran Experience. The site offers beautiful views of Black Mountain and the famous “Boulders” Stack for which the Boulders Resort in Scottsdale created the name.